Pinchlys first appear in the Beach area, the third level of the Ruins area, Mast Blast, and later in the Cliff area. Pinchlys move from side to side, and can only hurt Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong if they come in contact with them. In addition, they move quicker than their weaker variant, the Snaps. To defeat a Pinchly, the Kongs have to bounce on its head, and then Ground Pound the area next to it when its claws are up. This will flip it over, and it will be vulnerable to a jump. They can also roll at them while their claws are up to defeat them.

In a concept artwork titled "Pinchly & Pal", a Pinchly can be seen next to an unknown red crab with a sword replacing its hand. However, this specific crab does not appear in any of the levels in the game.